VI Organizations

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated May 27, 2019

The following is a list of organizations that provide advocacy and information specific to working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. If there are additional resource books or websites you feel should be listed here, please let me know by completing the form below and I will add them.

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is a professional membership association for eye care physicians. They work to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care and quality of life. They provide information on eye health for consumers and referrals to member physicians. Eye Smart provides consumer eye health news and information on a variety of eye diseases and disorders.

The American Action Fund

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is a service agency that specializes in providing blind people help that is not readily available to them from government programs or other existing service systems. The purpose of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is to assist blind and deaf-blind persons in securing reading matter, to educate the public about blindness, to provide specialized aids and appliances to the blind, to give consultation to governmental and private agencies serving the blind, to offer assistance to those losing vision in their later years, to offer services to blind children and their parents, and to work toward improving the quality of life for the blind and deaf-blind. In 1997 the American Action Fund started a program to provide children who are blind with a free Braille book every month from a popular children's reading series. The books are for the children to keep and collect for as long as they want them.

American Council of the Blind (ACB) 

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a membership organization of people who are blind and visually impaired.  Uses advocacy and education to improve the well-being of people who are visually impaired. The ACB holds an annual conference and convention which includes a trade show of all the latest high- and low-tech devices for blind and visually impaired individuals, a variety of seminars, workshops, and break-out sessions on a variety of topics for parents, students, teachers, braille users, guide dog users, visually impaired entrepreneurs, lawyers, and much more.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) ​

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a non-profit organization that provides information, directories, publications, and links on visual impairment and blindness issues. They promote employment, independent living, literacy, and technology for people with visual impairments. They also provide referrals to local rehabilitation services. The AFB eLearning Center offers an accessible Learning environment that includes online courses, webinars (both live and archived), and ePublications. They also hold the annual AFB Leadership Conference​.

The American Optometric Association (AOA)

The American Optometric Association is a membership organization of optometrists, provides information on visual conditions, eye diseases, and low vision; consumer guides for eye care; a glossary of eye and vision conditions; and a database for local referrals to optometrists. 

American Optometric Association

The American Optometric Association provides information on low vision and maintains a list by state of their members who specialize in low vision.

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ​

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the worlds’ largest agency devoted solely to creating products and services for people who are visually impaired.  Their publications, assistive devices, and materials are available through catalogs and online. Also, APH also offers webcasts on a wide range of topics including trainings specific to products offered by APH.

American Rehabilitation Counseling Association

Serves as a professional membership association representing rehabilitation counselors. Promotes professional development and effective rehabilitation counseling services.

Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)

The Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) is an international membership organization of professionals who work in all phases of education and rehabilitation of children
and adults who are blind and visually impaired. AER offers online courses through the Mangold online program.

Blind Veterans Association

Assists veterans who have been blinded by providing rehabilitation and vocational training, job placement assistance, and location of aid from federal, state and local resources through field services. Operates a volunteer service program in veterans' communities and provides information and referral services. 

Bookshare

Bookshare provides access to books that are legally scanned for people who are visually impaired or print disabled. It is available to people with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers that can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading. The books can be read with adaptive technology or in embossed braille.

Braille Authority of North America (BANA) ​

The Braille Authority of North America promotes and facilitates the use, teaching, and production of braille.  It publishes rules, interprets and renders opinions of braille. Publications include the Literary Braille, Computer Braille, Nemeth code, Chemistry Code, Music Code and References on Updates. provides publications available for download.

Braille Institute

The Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. They offer free programs, classes, and services in Southern California, but also offer online resources about vision loss.

The Carroll Center for the Blind

The Carroll Center for the Blind provides help for people who are blind including training and adaptive devices to individuals of all ages who have lost their sight so they can live independent and fulfilling lives. They also offer technical training and low vision products as well as online courses and video tutorials.

Closing the Gap

Holds conferences and webinars on technology for persons with disabilities including those who blind or visually impaired. Publishes an e-magazine, Closing the Gap. 

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

Promotes the right o individuals who have partial sight to maximize the use of their residual vision. Educates the public on the needs of persons who are visually impaired. It provides information about available services and has support groups and chapters throughout the United States. Publishes Vision Access. 

Discovery Eye Foundation

Discovery Eye Foundation works to find treatments and cures to sight-threatening eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, keratoconus, ocular herpes, and retinitis pigmentosa. It provides information and personalized support to the public through it's Macular Degeneration Partnership, National Keratoconus Foundation, and Discovery Eye Foundation blog. 

Do It Blind

Do It Blind is a leader in JAWS script development (a proprietary programming language) and Blind Accessibility solutions. Their primary goal is to empower the visually impaired through the use of cutting edge technology, screen readers and JAWS script programming. 

Envision

Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or have low vision. Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education, and research. Education is a central focus of Envision’s mission but the organization also presents various programs throughout the year for specialists and for students who are blind and visually impaired, including several assistive technology camps for middle and high school students. Their annual conference brings in experts from around the globe to share information, and a series of grand rounds programs focusing on specific areas of low vision. ​

Foundation Fighting Blindness

The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments, and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases. For a $25.00 annual membership fee, FFB offers information and referral services for affected individuals and their families as well as for doctors and eye care professionals. Their national conference is usually held every year. ​​

HEATH Resource Center at the National Youth Transitions Center

Operates a national clearinghouse on post-secondary education for persons with disabilities. Collects and disseminates information about educational services, policies adaptations, and opportunities at U.S. colleges and universities training schools, independent living centers and other post-high school training options 

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults ​

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults provides rehabilitation services, employment services, services for students, low vision services, as well as services for seniors and those with developmental disabilities.

​International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment

International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) is a global association of individuals and organizations that promotes equal access to appropriate education for all children and youth with visual impairment so that they may achieve their full potential. Their website includes information that is relevant not only to ICEVI in general, but, most importantly, to the activities that take place in the seven regions of ICEVI: Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America/Caribbean, Pacific, and West Asia.

Lighthouse International ​

Lighthouse International provides vision rehabilitation services, education, research, prevention, and advocacy. It can refer you to service providers in your area. Lighthouse provides professional development and public education. It also conducts researching the area of visual impairments.

National Braille Association

The National Braille Association provides continuing education to
those who prepare braille and to provide braille materials to persons who are visually impaired. Assists transcribers and narrators in the development and improvement of skills and techniques required for the production of reading materials for individuals who are unable to access standard print. 

National Eye Institute (NEI)

The National Eye Institute conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other vision disorders. Part of the NEI mission is to develop public and professional education programs that help prevent blindness, reduce visual impairments, and increase awareness of services and devices that are available for individuals with low vision. They provide consumers with the National Eye Health Education Program, the Healthy Eyes Educational Toolkit, and information on a variety of eye diseases and disorders.

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is "the oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide membership organization of blind people in the United States. Founded in 1940, the NFB advocates for the civil rights and equality of blind Americans, and develops innovative education, technology, and training programs to provide the blind and those who are losing vision with the tools they need to become independent and successful.”

National Rehabilitation Association

Serves as a membership organization for professionals in the field of rehabilitation and as an advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.

National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment

National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Visual Impairment (NTAC-BVI) in or with the field of rehabilitation of persons who are blind or visually impaired. Most are available through PowerPoint slides and lecture. To get continuing education credit, the student must complete a full course, pass the quiz with a score of at least 80% and complete a course evaluation. 

The Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE) ​

The Northeast Regional Center for Vision Education (NERCVE) is committed to improving education for people with visual disabilities. In addition to in-person and online training and professional development (see their University of Massachusetts listing under Professional Preparation Programs), they host an employment board, professional directory, and Listserv. Although their focus is on the Northeast Region of the United States, they provide valuable information and current news and events that apply to all regions.

Paths to Literacy ​

Paths to Literacy is a collaborative project between the Perkins School for the Blind and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). These two schools have combined their resources and expertise to assist educators and families in providing literacy experiences for children who are blind or visually impaired. Information includes an overview of literacy and challenges specific to students who are visually impaired. Join their blog for the latest information!

Positive Eye ​

Positive Eye director, Gwyneth McCormack, provides training and consultation to Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments across the UK. In addition to courses, she offers a Shared Ideas page with great activity suggestions on a range of topics specific to working with students who are blind or visually impaired as well as a Top Access Tips page with curriculum access suggestions.

Prevent Blindness America

It provides public and professional education research and industrial and community services to prevent blindness. Services include screening, vision testing, and dissemination of information on low-vision devices and clinics. 

Safe Toddles

Safe Toddles features videos and a description of the wearable cane. Safe Toddles builds and donates Toddler Canes as they see wearable canes as essential to encouraging toddlers with visual impairment to develop to their potential. With consistent path information and increased safety through reliable warning, toddlers who are blind blossom when they wear their canes most of the day.

Free Membership

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE downloadable templates, handbooks and handouts on the Printables page. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​

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TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle + BONUS Resources

$100.00

Buy together at a reduced price and get BONUS resources!


TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC: An Activities Based Curriculum for Teaching Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
The TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC is a digital pdf available for download. It is designed specifically for fellow itinerant Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI’s), and consists of over 400 activities and topic areas of discussion for instructing students in the Expanded Core Curriculum. The activities are age-neutral and multi-sensory and therefore can meet the needs of the broad range of students served on an itinerant caseload serving. The activities can be individualized to the students various learning modalities and scaffold in order to challenge students but ensure success. Select those activities that align with the student’s learning objects based on the student’s unique visual needs and academic and developmental level. In addition to the core activity areas, each of the 32 Thematic Units incorporates additional unique ECC concepts and skills providing you with a years’ worth of activities. These units are cyclical and can be used repeatedly to help students build on prior knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of concepts. Each unit includes suggestions for activity adaptation associated with the unit. These include lists of objects, possible community-based experiences, environmental print, poems, children & young reader books, children's songs, pop culture songs, movies, and websites.


In addition to the book, the following two supplements are included:
·      TVI’s Guide to the ECC Concept Checklist
·      TVI’s Guide to the ECC Activities Checklist


For complete product details and additional images, visit the TVI's Guide product page.


TVI's Guide to the ECC Product details
·      Digital pdf download: 346 pages (11 pt font)
·      Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
·      Author: Carmen Willings
·      Language: English


Visual Efficiency & Near Magnifier Fluency Worksheets: TVI's Guide to the ECC Grab and Go Supplements
The Near Magnifier Fluency Worksheets is a Grab and Go supplement to the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC. This workbook is a pdf download that can be printed on demand for use with students. It contains five different types of worksheets for developing visual motor skills and near magnifier fluency skills particularly with the use of a video magnifier. As a companion to the TVI’s Guide to the ECC, the worksheets correspond to each of the 32 ECC Thematic units. The worksheets, along with a list of environmental print for each thematic unit, are designed to help students refine their visual motor skills while reinforcing ECC concepts presented in the thematic units.  


For complete product details and additional images, visit the Visual Efficiency & Near Magnifier Product Page.


Visual Efficiency & Near Magnifier Fluency Worksheet Details:
·      Digital pdf download: 210 pages
·      Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
·      Author: Carmen Willings
·      Language: English


Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency and Maintenance Worksheets: A TVI’s Guide to Teaching the ECC Grab & go Supplement
The Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency and Maintenance Grab and Go ECC worksheet packet is a print on demand workbook that contains worksheets in print and simulated braille to use for data collection. Present the student with a hard braille copy and use the worksheets to document accuracy and fluency in reading braille. As a companion to the TVI’s Guide to the ECC, the worksheets correspond to the ECC Thematic activities presented in the curriculum guide. These word lists and sentences will help the student refine their keyboarding or braille reading skills while bridging ECC concepts presented in the thematic units. Although the lists and passages can be produced using a manual braillewriter, you may also copy and paste the passages into any braille translation software for quick production on an embosser. They may also be entered into a typing program such as APH’s Talking Typer to build keyboarding fluency.


For complete product details and additional images, visit the Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency & Maintenance Product Page


Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency Worksheet Details:
·      Digital pdf download: 338-page print and simulated braille worksheets
·      Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
·      Author: Carmen Willings
·      Language: English


Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists: Grab & Go ECC Supplement
The Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists Grab and Go ECC supplement is a 446 page pdf downloadable print on demand workbook that includes 2940 vocabulary card on 3 1/2" x 2" templates divided by each of the 32 Thematic Units along with a checklist of each unit words in print and simulated braille. As a companion to the TVI's Guide to the ECC, the vocabulary cards correspond to the ECC Thematic activities presented in the curriculum guide. 


Additional Use:
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments can have a extremely varied caseloads. It is possible to go several years without having a student on your caseload who requires braille instruction. Like other skills, if you do not practice your braille regularly, it is easy to lose those skills. Use these checklists and cards to maintain your braille skills. Fold the checklist along the line dividing the print from the braille. Choose to either read the print and produce the word in braille using a braillewriter or read the simulated braille and decode it. Finally, these vocabulary cards and checklists may be used with family members or peers who are interested in learning and practicing the braille code.


For complete product details and additional images, visit the Thematic Vocabulary Cards & Checklists Product Page


Thematic Vocabulary Cards and Checklists Details:
·      Digital pdf download: 446-page print on demand resource
·      Publisher: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
·      Author: Carmen Willings
·      Language: English


BONUS!
Lotto Cards
The LOTTO Cards Grab and Go Supplement includes 37 theme related unit cards along with activity suggestions that support activities within the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC.


On My Way File Folder Cards
Print and use these cards to represent locations the student may visit that are related to the current thematic unit. Use these with the On My Way File Folder Game outlined in the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC p. 27.

NEW! Access to TVI's Guide Bonus Membership Pages

Note:
All products are digital pdf downloads. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page where you will find the download link. This download will also be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. If you encounter any difficulty, please let me know and I can assist you.

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